How to check CV joints? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Brad1 · 03-20-2010, 01:40 PM

I'm hearing a minor thumping sound from the front driver's side of my 1994 Corolla when I accelerate on the freeway.

I'm thinking the problem is a CV joint, but I'd like to know for sure before I replace the front axle. I did a quick search on this forum for ways to determine if a CV joint is bad, but I didn't find what I was looking for (I did see the step-by-step instructions for replacement which are very nice).

Can anyone please let me know how to check the CV joint?

Thanks.

Brad

***Kiwi-Corolla*** · 03-20-2010, 02:30 PM

The first thing to check would be the CV boot. If it's torn or split then there's a very good chance that it's your CV joint to blame for the noise. Usually there will be spots of grease on the underside of your car if it has split.

Does it make a noticeable clicking noise when turning the steering wheel in either direction?

If everything looks ok from under the car and you don't hear any clicking when turning the wheel, then it could be a motor mount, strut etc, or even something as simple as a stone caught in the wheel.

speedy25 · 03-21-2010, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad1

Can anyone please let me know how to check the CV joint?

From under the car with the wheels straight, (You know how to do this safely so I wont describe it again!) look at both inner and outer joints to see if the boots are damaged or cracked. Spin the wheels by hand to check them all around and notice if the shaft may be bent.

Next check for ANY play in the joints. Grab the shaft and try to spin it back and forth. ANY play means the joint is worn. You'll also hear the popping sound when you turn if there is play.

Next you can turn the wheels to lock and re-check the boots. Its easier to see cracks that will lead to boot damage later with the wheels turned.

-SP

Brad1 · 03-29-2010, 07:22 AM

No cracks in the boots, but at least one of the joints were bad. Replaced the axle this past Saturday and the noises went away. I think bad motor mounts caused the joint(s) to go bad.

speedy25 · 03-29-2010, 08:15 AM

They can go bad from all kinds of reasons, but I dont think motor mounts is one of them.

-SP

Brad1 · 03-29-2010, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedy25

They can go bad from all kinds of reasons, but I dont think motor mounts is one of them.

-SP

According to the instruction / information sheet that came with the new axle, bad motor mounts are one of the primary reasons for CV joint failure.

I replaced two of my 4 mounts before winter (the passenger side and front motor mount). The driver side and tranny mount are still original.

g2nick · 03-29-2010, 08:41 PM

how much the new mounts cost you and where did you get them?

Brad1 · 03-30-2010, 07:30 AM

From what I recall, I purchased the mounts in November and replaced them over Thanksgiving break. I do not recall how much I paid for them, but it wasn't alot. I bought them at NAPA. However, when I went to buy the remaining mount at NAPA this past week, they no longer carrier them. They do have the tranny mount however.